CD Diagnostics Acquires CLIA-Accredited Citrano Medical Laboratories

(Wynnewood, PA, USA) completed the purchase of 80% of the outstanding capital stock of Citrano Medical Laboratories, Inc. (CML; Towson, MD, USA).

CML provides clinical laboratory testing to physicians, clinics, and long-term care facilities. The combination of Citrano with CD Diagnostics creates an entity with both a strong R and D team that can produce Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs), and a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified diagnostics laboratory dedicated to customer service in which these tests can be run.

CD Diagnostics' immunoassays use a small sample of a patient’s joint fluid (synovial fluid) to measure the presence of proteins or biomarkers that are produced by the body and are specific to a particular joint disease. The presence of these biomarkers in elevated levels indicates that the patient is reacting to a specific joint disease and serves as a positive diagnosis. Results are accurate and available within five to ten minutes. The first test, an immunoassay to diagnose infection in joint replacements, is planned for release in November 2012. Joint infection is a very serious condition that must be ruled out with any joint disease.

The first test, CD Diagnostics’ new synovial fluid assays will enhance Citrano’s portfolio of testing services, which currently include hematology, urinalysis, and a broad range of other services.

The acquisition of Citrano is one of the milestones achieved by CD Diagnostics since its incorporation in December 2011. In June 2012, the company signed a commercialization agreement with an orthopedic company for the development of its infection test, receiving USD 2.9 million in milestone payments.

Richard Birkmeyer, CEO of CD Diagnostics, commented, “When you have inflammation in a joint, it can be a wide range of causes such as Lyme disease, gout, bacterial infection. Our test tells exactly what is causing that pain, no matter what the joint.” Tests for other joint diseases are in development.

Related Links:
CD Diagnostics, Inc.
Citrano Medical Laboratories, Inc.